While skies are smoky once again, and ash may be falling out of the atmosphere at times, there’s no avoiding the fact that, as least as far as bears go, we’re nearing the end of summer.
At about the same time valley parents are anticipating the new school year, valley bruins are anticipating finding food in our towns. In Canmore, bears, are wandering into town more frequently in search of belly filling food.
Anecdotally, buffalo berry bushes don’t seem as lush as in some summers and, along the Bow River, Saskatoon berries in some spots seem to have dried on the shrub.
Forest fires everywhere in Western Canada suggest it’s been a dry summer and there would be few who would argue. Often, what looks like a sky that promises rain simply transforms to another smoky haze.
Trees in the valley already seem to be moving toward fall colour in some spots, with poplar and birch already taking on fall-like yellow hues. Some are already dropping leaves – it’s like summer has already advanced into mid-September.
And while appearances of fall approaching may or may not resonate with valley citizens, there’s no doubt bears’ internal clocks are telling them it’s time to bulk up in preparation for winter denning.
Which is why warnings from Alberta Environment and Parks that bears will be moving into town in greater numbers should be heeded (page 12).
There are still fruit trees in town which seem to be ignored by homeowners and these may well attract bears to an easy bonanza. For a bear with hibernation on its mind, what could be more attractive than a tree full of sweet, juicy apples or crabapples?
Residents are reminded that it’s against the law in Canmore to leave out attractants for wildlife.
At some point, homeowners may even want to give some thought to more thoroughly cleaning their barbecues as the aroma of grilled meats may also be a greater enticement as fewer natural food sources are available. Further, pet food left outdoors, unsecured garbage bags and other attractants could attract bruins.
The ‘fed bear is a dead bear’ still holds and it’s up to residents to ensure they play no part in the destruction of bears we share our valley with.
Working poor
While stories of the creation of affordable housing projects in our towns have been relatively absent from our news pages lately, it’s clear the issue has not simply gone away.
The fact that people are resorting to living in their vehicles, some by choice, others due to financial circumstances, suggests that more needs to be done. As winter approaches, vehicles become more and more unsuitable as accommodation.
Whether or not you agree with people living in vehicles within our municipalities as acceptable, the fact it is happening – and not just for short-term visitors – is concerning and has caused some citizens to ponder whether Canmore could survive another surge in popularity should a 2026 Olympics be staged?
On the one hand, there are those who would embrace Olympics events at the Canmore Nordic Centre, while on the other hand, there are those who may dread the results of another ‘discovery’ of the former coal town.
It may seem a stretch to connect the Olympics with working poor living in their vehicles, but the impact of the Games cannot be underestimated, including social and cultural costs.
A housing component in a Games bid seems to be an obvious choice, and needs to be taken into account in bid discussions.
